(WXIA) -- Comet Pan-STARRS is slated to make its closest approach to Earth on Tuesday before it loops around the sun and becomes visible to early evening skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere.

The comet, known to scientists as Comet C/2011 L4, is moving toward the sun for a close approach on March 10. After it swings around the sun, the comet -- presently visible in the evening skies of the Southern Hemisphere -- will become visible to viewers in North America in the early morning.

According to NASA's SpaceWeather.com, Comet Pan-STARRS will become visible on March 12 and 13 near the crescent Moon in the skies around sunset.